Usage of Arabic vocabularies in Indian Languages: A linguistic overview

Abstract

Adopting Arabic vocabulary in Indian languages reflects a rich history of cultural, religious and trade interactions between the Arab world and the Indian subcontinent. This linguistic integration, facilitated by historical factors such as Islamic influence, Persian mediation and commercial exchanges, has enriched Indian languages like Urdu, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and others. This study explores the historical context of this influence, from early trade and the spread of Islam to the Persian-mediated introduction of Arabic words during Islamic rule in India. Arabic words permeate various domains, including religion like ‘Allah’, ‘Roza’, administration like ‘Qazi,’ ‘Diwan’, commerce like ‘Hisaab’, Rizq’, and daily life words like ‘Kitab’, ‘Sabun’. Phonetic and morphological adaptations, such as sound changes and hybridization, demonstrate the seamless assimilation of Arabic words into Indian linguistic frameworks. Regional variations reveal a deeper imprint in Urdu and South Indian Muslim dialects, while everyday usage showcases Arabic's integration across India's diverse linguistic landscape. The study underscores Arabic's enduring legacy in Indian languages, reflecting the subcontinent's rich history of cultural and linguistic pluralism.